Supporting your loved one
If you have a family member or friend with major depressive disorder, also called depression, or with bipolar disorder, it is important to watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions. Make sure to
- pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed
- call the health care provider right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings
- keep all follow-up visits with the health care provider as scheduled. Call the health care provider between visits as needed, especially if there are concerns about symptoms
